Chest CT Dose Examination for Adult Patient in Abuja and Keffi, Hospitals in Nigerian

Abstract

The term "computed tomography" (CT) is often used to refer to X-ray CT, because it is the most commonly known form. But, many other types of CT exist, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This study was carried out in the north central part of Nigeria which includes Abuja and Keffi (Nasarawa State). This study has established local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs). Dose report and scan parameters for chest was assessed during the period (January – July, 2016) of seven months at the three study centres (A, B and C in which two are located in Abuja and the other one (C) located in Keffi. Data on CT Dose index (CTDIw) and dose length product (DLP) available and achieved on CT scanner control console was recorded for a minimum of 10 average sized patients for each facility to established a local Diagnostic reference level (LDRLs) and radiation dose optimization Data was collected using a purposive sampling technique, from 131 adult patients weighing 70±3kg) from Philip brilliance, Toshiba Alexion and General Electric (GE) CT scanners for this study. Third quartile values of the estimated LDRLs for CTDIw and DLP was determined as 10.9 mGy and 432.8 mCy*cm. The mean CTDIw obtained are lower to the reported data from the European Commission of 30mGy. The mean DLP are comparably lower than all the reported value from the European commission of 650mGy/cm. Therefore, there is no any clinical implication and hence CT dose optimization is recommended.